Conjunction

ENGLISH

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Conjunction

Conjunctions are the words that glue the words with words, Subject with Subjects, Part of Sentence with
parts of Sentences, Sentences with Sentences. They assist in conjoin the speech or parts of a language.

Placing of Conjunctions in a sentence:

 Subject1+Conjunction+Subject2+Verb+Object

 Subject1+verb+Object+Conjunction+Subject2+verb+object

Examples of Conjunction placing.

 John and Mary are known for their hard work.

 John is known for his hard work but Mary is known for her procrastination.

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Building blocks of Conjunction

 Other than, the types of conjunctions, they have
been categorized on the basis on linguistic
semantic structure.

Additives
 Adds: And, also, as well, either…or, neither…
nor, as well, or, else.

 Introduces: For instances, to illustrate, in particular.

 Reference: Speaking about, considering, regarding, the fact that.

 Similarity: In the same way, equally, likewise, in a like manner.

 Identification: Namely, specifically.

 Clarify/Elaboration: that is to say, to put it in this way, in another way, in other words.

Adversative
 Signal Contrast: But, by the way, while, on the other hand, in contrast to, still.

 Emphasis: even more, above all, indeed, besides.

 Concession: But even so, above all, indeed, however, nevertheless, however.

 Dismissal: either way, in either way, whichever happens, even supposing.

 Replacement/correction: or at least, rather, instead.

Casual
 Cause/Reason: in the view of, as, since, for, for the reason that, because of, as.

 Condition: on condition, provided that, if, provided that, unless.

 Effect/Reason: henceforth, thus, in result of, as a consequence.

 Purpose: for the purpose of, in the hope of that, so that, in order that.

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 Consequence: under the circumstance of, if not, that being the case.

 Respective: in respect to, otherwise, apart from that, in other respects.

Sequential- logical or chronological sequence

 Ordinal: first, firstly, to begin with, to start with, to commence with.

 Continuation: then, next, in support of, moreover, furthermore, subsequently.

 Resumption: to get back to the point, to resume, anyhow, anyway.

 Conclusion: to conclude, as a final point, eventually, at last, in the end, finally.

 Digression: to change the top, by the way, incidentally.

 Summation: to summarize, altogether, to put it in brief.

Conjunctions VS. Connectors

 Things to consider while knowing the difference between Conjunctions and Connectors.

Definition Usage Examples

 Used to conjoin a sentence or a part of a  She does not like parties but she loves
sentence. enjoys.

 Conjunctions relay on the knowledge, the  She failed because she did not study.

Conjunctions reader already know.

 They love to read and write together
 Conjunctions imply or carry forward the although they have different set of ideas.
same idea.
 Sam as well as his parents planned for a
 They do not begin any new idea. vacation to Bahamas.

 Used for proceeding the statement not for

 However, the staff was rude to her, she has
the assumed knowledge of readers
Connectors always loved to go to the same place.
 Connectors are used for the separation of
 Eventually, this too shall pass
ideas.

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Few examples to consider!

Connector: Cars are expensive, moreover, they pollute the environment.

Conjunctions: Cars are expensive and they pollute the environment.

Conjunctions in Language History

 The language properties of Conjunctions has shown variations over time.

 Conjunctions have been encoded in language to add relation between syntax in 18th century.

 Since 17th century onward, writers used Conjunctions to connect one idea to another, to write crisp to
progress readers from one significant idea to another.

 In 18th century, conjunctions have been categorized as ‘semantic resource of language’.

 Since 18th century onwards, Conjunctions have been found in relating similarity between or among
many objects and subjects.

The use of Conjunctions in English language:

 To avoid choppy sentences.

 To avoid redundancy or repetition.

 For better elaboration and understanding of Language.

 The conjunctions also elucidate the knowledge of Idiomatic phrases as some of them are used as ‘As well
as’, ‘provided that’.

 To help in different competitive examinations like SSC, banking and other.

 To help in Reading comprehensions and Cloze tests.

 To help in relating one idea with another.

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Types of Conjunctions
 Coordinating conjunctions: Coordinating conjunctions are words that conjoin sentences with
sentences, phrases with phrases, clauses with clauses, subjects with subjects. The examples of
correlative conjunctions are: For, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

Memory Tip
Remember these coordinating conjunctions as ‘FANBOYS’, an acronym.

Exception
Exception: ‘But’ and ‘Yet’, both are additive conjunctions, often confused with each other. But both have
different functions to perform. ‘But’ allows the statement to proceed and supports. ‘Yet’ injects a degree of
‘contradiction’.

Examples:

 This batch of mushroom stew is savory and delicious.

 We should hate to waste a drop of water, for it is expensive and valuable these days.

 I will stay outdoor with friends, or will go home in a while.

Coordinating conjunctions with commas

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Memory Tip
Ensure that a coordinating conjunction is immediately followed by a main clause. Do not begin a sentence
with coordinating conjunction.

Example:

 Incorrect: But I don’t like tea, I like coffee.

 Correct: I don’t like tea, but I like coffee.

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Exception
Commas should not be used after coordinating conjunctions to open the sentence unless an interrupter
immediately follows.

 Subordinating conjunctions: Subordinating conjunctions allow and introduces a subordinating or

dependent clause. They glues an independent clause with a dependent clause. Out of all the
conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions are the most tricky to follow and identify.

Note: ‘Independent clause’ is a clause that does not need any other clause to complete the sentence. They
are independent on their own. ‘She did not study’ is an independent clause.

‘Dependent clause’ is a clause that needs clause or a sentence to support for its completion. ‘Because she
did not study’ is a dependent clause.

Few examples of Subordinating conjunctions are: Although, though, however, as, as long as, once, since,
when, while, if, where.

Exception
‘Subordinating conjunctions’ and ‘Relative pronouns’ are often confused with. Subordinating conjunctions
do not act as the subject of a dependent clause, relative pronouns do.

To explain this, ‘John is the boy who came last night to the party’

John is the boy is an independent clause

Who came last night to the party is a dependent clause

‘who’ relates, hence, is a relative pronoun.

We talked about the movies and drama while we ate.

‘We talked about the movies and drama’ is an independent clause.

‘While we ate’ is an additive to the sentence.

‘while’ supports or ‘adds’, hence, a subordinating conjunction.

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Exception
It is believed that ‘Because’ never begins a sentence. Because is a ‘subordinating sentence’ and begins a
sentence.

Structure for subordinating conjunctions to use in a sentence

 Independent clause+ Subordinating clause+ Dependent clause

 Conjunction + Dependent clause+ Independent clause

Common Mistake
‘Therefore’ is not a connector. It is mistaken as conjunction.

Correlative Conjunctions: Name them as ‘Tag-team’ conjunctions or ‘Split conjunctions’, the work they do is
the same! They get their names from the fact that they work together. They split themselves in a sentence
and conjoin themselves with different parts of a sentence to make them relative.

Few examples to consider!

 Either…or: expresses a choice between two subjects/objects.

For example: Either he or she works meticulously.

 Neither…nor: expresses a negation between choice/choices.

For example: Neither he nor she works meticulously.

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 No sooner …than: One thing happened immediately another.

For example: No sooner did she arrive home than he came.

 Scarcely/Hardly/Rarely/Barely…when/before: Same idea expressed further.

For example: Scarcely had I come home when my parents reached.

 Whether…or: When two alternatives are possible.

For example: Whether my parents or Sally's parents will go on a vacation.

 Not only…but also: Considering both the options.

For example: Not only John but also Mary have decided to be determined about it.

Structure of Correlative conjunctions

 Subject+ Not only+ verb +but also+ verb+ object

 Subject+ either + verb+ or+ verb+ object

 Either+ subject+ Or+ subject + verb + object

 No sooner did+……. + than+……

 Hardly/Scarcely had+…..when+…….

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Memory Tip

When using ‘Not only…but also’, sentence parallelism of construction should be kept in mind.

For example

 (Incorrect) He is not only intelligent but he also has a great sense of humour.

 (Correct) He is not only intelligent but also humorous.

(The sentence parallelism construction on the basis of Tenses)

Testbook Trick
To identify correlative conjunction, look for split in a sentence.

 Note: ‘Compound conjunctions’ are called compound as they are made of the assimilation of two or
more conjunctions. The examples of Compound conjunctions in English grammar are: ‘as much as’, ‘as
soon as, ‘As well as’.

Adverbial Conjunctions
 A conjunct, a transitional conjunction, a cohesive conjunction, whatever it may be. They are also known
as these.

 The basic function of adverbial conjunctions is to provide a relation between two sequential statements.

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Memory Tip
They are commonly placed in the beginning of the main clause.

 They are usually followed by a comma.

 It may follow a semicolon.

Adverbial conjunction Examples

Accordingly She does what is told to accordingly.
Again They again visited their grandparent’s home.
Also Sally works and studies also.
Anyway How are you, anyway?
Anyhow We all have to do what we are told, anyhow!
Certainly We certainly are planning to enjoy after work.
Besides What does she do besides studying?
Consequently Consequently, it is humanity that we all are.
Moreover Moreover, it is Saturday!

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Points to Remember
 Conjunctions are cohesive devices.

 Conjunctions are 3 in usage, and 5 on the basis of semantic structure.

 Correlative conjunctions are always used and identified in pairs.

 Compound conjunctions are made of the assimilation of two or more conjunctions.

 Coordinating conjunctions can be recognized as ‘F.A.N.B.O.YS.’

 Correlative conjunctions to be used with the same part of speech.

 Conjunctions are used as Additives, Adversatives, Casual, and Sequential.

 Conjunctions and Connectors are two different concepts to study.

 Adverbial conjunctions relates two or more sequential statements.

Rule #1: Rule of Comma

 Always use a comma before the coordinating conjunctions when it is used to connect two independent
clauses.

 For example:

 Tom walked his dog, and he grabbed the mail.

 When using a coordinating conjunction to connect two items, do not use a comma.

 For example:

 Tom walked his dog and grabbed the main.

 When using a coordinating conjunction to list the items, the usage of a comma is before a coordinating
conjunction is optional.

 For example:

 She can cook potatoes, tomatoes, and carrots.

 She can cook potatoes, tomatoes and carrots.

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Rule #2:

 The conjunction ‘Both’ is followed by ‘And’.

 For example:

 Both eggs and ham is a stable food of western culture.

Rule #3: Usage of ‘LEST’

 Lest is used when in a sentence speaker thinks to avoid something.

 For example:

 Don’t push people too hard lest you hurt relationships.

Rule #4: Usage of ‘so..as’

 ‘So..as’ as a conjunction is used to show similarity between two objects, people, or subjects. This
combination is used in negative sentences only.

 For example:

 She is not so intelligent as her sister is.

Rule #5: Usage of ‘as..as’

 ‘as..as’ as a conjunction is used to show similarity between two objects, people, or subjects. Unlike
“so...as” this combination can be used in both positive and negatives sentences

 For example:

 She is as intelligent as her sister is.

 She is not as intelligent as her sister is.

Rule #6: Use of “LEST”

 ‘Lest’ should follow ‘should’ and ‘first form of verb’

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 For example:

 Walk carefully lest you may fall.

Rule #7: Unless and Until /Till

Avoid using “not” and “future tense” after “Unless, Until or Till”.

 For example:

 She will not succeed unless she will not work hard for it. (Incorrect)

 She will not succeed unless she works hard for it. (Correct)

Rule #8: Pairing of “Whether —— or”

Always use “or with whether”

For example:

 I am doubtful whether he will come back or not.

 I am not sure whether he will pass or fail.

Rule #9: Pairing of “Although/Though” with “yet” or “comma”

Always use “a comma” or “yet” to join the sentence if started with “although” or “though”

For Example

 Although Rahul is rich yet he is unpopular among the masses.

 Though he is hard working, he fails in business.

Rule #10: Usage of ‘Neither—-nor”, “Either —- or” & “Not only —- but also”

 These correlative conjunctions to be followed in their definite pairs only.

 For example:

 Not only she but also he planned for a movie.

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 Rajan talked neither to me nor to him.

 Either come with me or leave the channel.

Rule #11: After rather/other, than follows

 After the usage of Rather and Other, than always follow in a sentence.

 For example:

 I would rather die than beg.

Rule #12: ‘Seldom or never’/‘Seldom if ever’ instead ‘seldom or ever’/ ‘seldom if

never’

 ‘Seldom or never’ and ‘Seldom if ever’ are definite constructions. Using ‘Seldom or ever’ or ‘seldom if
never’ is an incorrect usage.

 For example:

 The national networks seldom or never telecast good programs.

Rule #13: Between…….and

 Often mistaken with preposition “to”

 For example:

 This train runs between Delhi and Mumbai.

Rule #14: What with…...and

 This combination is used to introduce the part of a sentence that indicates the cause of something

 For example:

 What with school and sports, she's always busy.

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Rule #15: Although/Though…...yet/,

 Used to mention contraction

 For example:

 Though Rahul Gandhi is opulent yet is unpopular among youths.

Rule #16: Such…...that

 For example:

 The teacher looked at the boy in such anger that he began to cry.

Rule #17: Difference between “that” and “if” as a conjunction.

Note 1: “IF” must be used when there is uncertainty or doubt.

 For example:

 I do not know if he will pass.

 I suspect if they can blame on them.

 Scientists doubt if this formula will work.

(We have used “if” as a conjunction because we are NOT confirmed or sure about the second clause.)

Note 2: “THAT” should be used when there is certainty.

 For example:

 I know that this is true.

 I am sure that you will get a government job one day.

(We have used “that” as a conjunction because we are confirmed or sure about the second clause)

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Rule #18: Balancing of co-relative conjunctions:

“Either—- or”, “Neither—-nor” & “Not only —- but also”

The given above pairing should be placed before the same part of speech.

For example:

 Not only Dams save water but also energy. (Incorrect)

Dams save not only water but also energy. (Correct)

 Rekha neither discussed with me nor with him. (Incorrect)

Rekha discussed neither with me nor with him. (Correct)

 She has either done this or her sisters did. (Incorrect)

Either she has done this or her sister did. (Correct)

Rule #19: As if / As though

If two clauses are joined with conjunction “as if” or “as though” then the second clause is always written
in Subjunctive mood.

(NOTE: Subjunctive Mood = Simple Past Plural)

For example:

 She behaves as if she were a land lady. (Subjunctive mood = were)

 He is speaking as though he knew everything. (Subjunctive mood = knew)

Common Mistake
Use of “were” after “singular subject” is correct in the above example.
It is important to note that in “Subjunctive Mood”, We always use “were” instead of “was” no matter the
subject is singular or plural.

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Rule #20 Pairing of If —— then/,

If a sentence begins with “if” the next clause is joined with “then” or “a comma”
Examples
 If you work smart, you will get success.
 If they do not help me then I won’t be able to pay them.

Rule #21: Difference between “because”, “since” & “as”

“Because” is used for ‘strong reasons’, “Since” is used for ‘moderate reason’ & “as” is used to show
‘light reasons’.

Examples

 He did not come to school because he was suffering from fever.

 He did not come to school since the weather was foggy.

 He did not come to school as he was not in mood.

Let’s Practice!
Directions. The sentence given below contains an error. Identify the part
containing the error and mark it as you answer. If there is no error
anywhere in the sentence, mark No Error(E) as your answer.

Q1. Unless he does not discipline (A)/ himself and tries hard, (B)/ he will not
learn (C)/ anything (D). No error (E)

1) A

2) B

3) C

4) D

5) E

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Ans. The correct answer is Option 1) i.e., A.

Key Points

 In the given sentence, the use of negative ''does not'' with 'unless' is incorrect.

 We cannot have a negative sentence after 'unless' because that would make the sentence double
negative and senseless.

 The conjunction 'unless' makes a negative condition and the sentence after 'unless' is always a positive
sentence.

 Therefore, the negative ''does not'' should be removed from the sentence.

 Also, the third-person pronoun 'he' will always take a third-person present singular verb.

 Therefore, the third-person present singular verb 'disciplines' should be used in place of the base form
of the verb 'discipline'.

 Hence, the correct answer is option 1.

Correct sentence : “Unless he disciplines himself and tries hard, he will not learn anything. “

Directions. Read the sentence given below to find out if it contains any error. The error, if any, will be in
one part of the sentence. If the sentence is error free, select No error or option 5. Ignore error of
punctuation if any.

Q2. Like light pollution on the land, human (A)/ noise is a growing concern in the oceans if (B)/ it has been
proven to disrupt the species (C)/ that depend on sound for communication and navigation. (D)/ No error (E)

1) A

2) B

3) C

4) D

5) E

Ans. The erroneous part is B i.e. this part of the sentence has an error.

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Key Points

 The second part (B) of the sentence is erroneous because the conjunction 'If' is grammatically incorrect.

 'If' is used to introduce conditional clauses but there is no conditional clause in the given sentence.

 An explanation is given in this sentence hence we should use 'because' instead of 'if'.

 Hence, option 2) is the answer.

Correct sentence: “Like light pollution on the land, human noise is a growing concern in the
oceans because it has been proven to disrupt the species that depend on sound for communication and
navigation.”

Additional Information

 A conjunction is a word which joins two words, phrases or sentences.

 Example: Vijay is poor but he is honest.

Directions. Read the sentence given below to find out if it contains any error. The error, if any, will be in
one part of the sentence. If the sentence is error free, select No error or option 5. Ignore error of
punctuation if any.

Q3. Groundwater is stored under land (A)/ so, once pumped up for drinking or (B)/ agriculture,
most eventually flows to sea, (C)/ redistributing its weight around the world. (D)/ No error (E)

1) A

2) B

3) C

4) D

5) E

Ans. The erroneous part is B i.e. this part of the sentence has an error.

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Key Points

 The second part (B) of the sentence is erroneous because the conjunction 'so' is grammatically incorrect.

 The word 'so' is used to express 'for this reason that'.

 The first clause is not the reason behind the situation mentioned in the second clause rather these are
contrasting with each other.

 Hence, the word 'but' should replace 'so'.

Therefore, option 2) is the answer.

Correct sentence: “Groundwater is stored under land but, once pumped up for drinking or agriculture, most
eventually flows to sea, redistributing its weight around the world. “

Additional Information

 A conjunction is a word which joins two words, phrases or sentences.

 Example: Vijay is poor but he is honest.

Directions. Find out which part has an error and mark it as your answer. If there is no error, mark 'No Error'
as your answer.

Q4. No one can doubt that India (A) got a splendid victory in 1965 war (B) against Pakistan but deal in
Taskhant will always (C) be looked at with doubtful eyes. (D) No error (E)

1) A

2) B

3) C

4) D

5) E

Ans. The correct answer is option E i.e. 'no error'.

Key Points

 In the sentence 'no one can doubt' is used which means 'when we accept something is probably true but
it cannot change the person's opinion'.

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 In affirmative sentences 'doubt' and 'doubtful' are followed by 'if/whether'.

 In negative or interrogative sentences 'doubt' and 'doubtful' are followed by 'that, but, etc.'.

 For example:

 No doubt Radhika is very nice, but I just don't like her. (negative sentence)

 She doubts if/whether he will help her. (affirmative sentence)

 I am doubtful if/whether she will allow me to go to the party. (affirmative sentence)

 She is not doubtful that her student will finish his work on time. (negative sentence)

 Here India won the war against Pakistan in 1965 without any doubt but what happened in Taskhant is
always doubtful.

 In the given sentence usage of the conjunction 'but' is also correct. Hence, there is no error.

Correct sentence- 'No one can doubt that India got a splendid victory in 1965 war against Pakistan but deal
in Taskhant will always be looked at with doubtful eyes.'

Directions. The given sentence has been broken up into four different parts. The error, if any, will be in
one or more parts of the sentence. Select the option which contains the part of the sentence which is
free from an error. If all are incorrect mark Option 5 as your answer.

Q5. Neither did BJP’s communal intentions or its caste( A)/ politics worked though the election was on
development and people (B)/ voted for a government which can deliver on real issues (C)/ ranging from
education, health, transport and pollution. (D)

1) A and B

2) A and C

3) B and D

4) C and D

5) All incorrect

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Ans. The correct option is option 4) i.e. C and D, only these part are errorless.

Key Points

 Part(A) Neither did BJP’s communal intentions or its caste - is incorrect because 'neither' is followed
by 'nor' not 'or'.

 Part(B) politics worked though election was on development and people - is incorrect because of the
wrong usage of conjunction.

 Here, as per the context of sentence - communal intentions and its caste politics did not work for the
BJP, all this happened because the election was on development and people voted for a government
which can deliver on real issues.

 Hence, 'though' must be replaced with 'because'.

Correct sentence - “Neither did BJP’s communal intentions nor its caste politics worked because the election
was on development and people voted for a government which can deliver on real issues ranging from
education, health, transport and pollution.”

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